In karmic astrology, our human soul is often represented by our natal Moon, also known as the lineage of our soul in Shamanic astrology, and our natal Moon is also our heaven, as our beliefs create the heaven we live in; and we also have our cosmic soul, which is represented by Chiron. Our cosmic soul is like a marriage or integration between an animal part, i.e. of one part that comes from the earth, and a non-earth part, which comes from God.
Our physical body is a mirror of our karma from all past lives, and as we come into a physical body this integration between earth and the cosmos, or our Chiron, may be a place of pain or a wound in some cases, while also being a place of a gift, a great gift which is essentially a karmic healer. At its best, Chiron is a karmic healer, and also offers insights on our charm and vocation; Chiron is also known as a rainbow bridge, connecting the two realms, because as we heal parts of our inner wounds, we also build a bridge of deeper compassion for all others as humanity and togetherness.
The position of our natal Chiron holds great insights on some of our deeper wounds as well as some of our greatest healing potentials, and how healing them can turn into gifts that may be karmic healers also.
Today let’s dive a little deeper into what Chiron means in your natal chart – and as always, to understand something properly, we need to first understand where it all came from. So I’ll begin with the myth, then move into the astrology interpretations, and use some examples on how to interpret Chiron placements in your chart by both house and sign.
Please understand that any examples I give are only general; no one aspect in astrology can be interpreted on its own as an absolute, all is interdependent and interconnected. For personal readings with me, you are welcome to browse and book through my offerings.
The myth of Chiron
In Greek mythology, Chiron was a wise centaur, some of gods and as such, he was immortal. Centaurs were known to be a bit wild, lustful, violent, and quite a bit prone to overindulgence in drinking – but Chiron was not like at all. Chiron was wise, mature, philosophical, intelligent, kind and compassionate. He was a great healer and astrologer, as well as poetic and artistic, and was the teacher, guide and mentor of some of the greatest Greek heroes such as Jason, Hercules, Asklepios (the god of medicine), and Achilles.
Chiron was known for his wisdom, honour, and knowledge and skills in medicine, music, prophecy, and hunting. He wasn’t just a physical healer, he was also an emotional and energetic healer. And unlike the other centaurs who were quite untamed, Chiron was known for his civilized nature and gentle demeanour.
His nobility and god-like nature essentially was further reflected by sacrificing his immortality. When Prometheus sacrificed himself to bring fire to humans, he was then punished by the gods and chained to a rock to be tortured. To free Prometheus of his suffering, Chiron sacrificed his own immortality and was then wounded by a poison arrow; ironically, even though he was the master of the healing arts, he couldn’t heal the wound of the arrow. However, Chiron’s honourable sacrifice and god-like inner nature of always helping others was then rewarded by his half brother god Zeus, who placed Chiron among the stars as the constellation Centaur.
In astronomy, and astrology
Chiron is a unique celestial object, a comet-asteroid orbiting between Saturn and Uranus, and was originally discovered in 1977. He was initially classified as an asteroid, because there were sublimation of ices from his surface, so it was believed he was a solid object i.e. asteroid, but was later reclassified as a comet due to the detection of a coma, i.e. a fuzzy, luminous cloud around it.
Chiron’s dual nature of holding both asteroid and comet characteristics earns him the designation of a Centaur in astronomy.
The other unique thing about Chiron astronomically is that he has an unstable orbit, meaning that he is unlikely to stay on one fixed path for long, and his current path may change soon also.
In astrology, Chiron is often referred to as the “wounded healer” archetype, highlighting the importance of embracing our own wounds to become more compassionate and understanding towards others.
This is why I view him as a bridge to humanity. It isn’t about feeling ashamed of what wounds you may have, nor is it about turning yourself into a never-ending “fix it” project. As long as we have human bodies there will be things that hurt us, so no human being can ever “heal” everything. But as we become softer and more aware of our inner worlds, we unveil ways in which we are actually more connected to one another. Everyone feels rejected, everyone feels judged or not good enough or doubts, this is part of the human experience. But as we become kinder to ourselves, we will inevitably be kinder to others also.
Esoterically, Chiron is the bridge between the outer and inner planets. His orbit between Saturn and Uranus is very important – because Saturn is the earth plane while Uranus is the cosmic spark of spirit.
Chiron is also our inner teacher; just as he was teaching Achilles and all other heroes, within us too he holds teachings for us.
His unstable orbit also shows us the importance of free will and that we don’t have to take the same old paths all the time, replaying wounds or old narratives. Free will is our divine gift giving us the ability to consciously choose to live life more consciously. Orbits can change.
This is the karmic healing aspect of Chiron; it is a surrender of what is, and a free will of what may be healed and changed. While it is impossible to heal all your karma, your free will today is your karma tomorrow; so you may shift the waters poured into the rivers of your life. Certain things will be moving in a certain direction, you can’t tell the rivers to go backwards, but you may also choose what water to pour into your river now: will it clear, pure or a bit muddy or full of thorns.
Chiron is not something to fear or reject within ourselves – because it is actually a part of our chart and past lives where we’ve loved doing something, and it was very dear to our hearts perhaps.
This is why Chiron reflects our charm and even some of our great gifts in life, or vocation, because it is part of something we’ve loved doing in past lives. Suppose you were a music composer. Well, every creator faces rejection and criticism, so now your Chiron may reflect that. And yet, if you stop yourself from expressing these gifts you have, which you’ve probably worked on developing for a long time, you would be stopping yourself from expressing your talents.
By healing parts of yourself you essentially heal others too around you. You softened in your own self and allow yourself an opportunity for a deepening – a bridge between the outer and inner, between cosmic and earth. Healing means to balance. When our left shoulder hurts, we need to massage and care for our right one also. When we need to heal betrayal we need to experience loyalty. This is why healers don’t actually “heal” others in the way we may think, they just reflect an inner balance, they radiate it, and through their mere presence all others around them see or feel how that feels, and then may inspire to move into that energetic vibration also.
Having said all that, some people may find it very difficult to deal with their natal Chiron and this may be a life long healing path, which is perfectly okay. This is usually the case of having Chiron in aspects to your inner planets, or on angles, and then you need to prioritize your healing path, stay in self compassion, and again, don’t look at wounds as liabilities or shame, try to embrace who you are and where you are on your unique path, and take things slowly, lightly and gently.
In Buddhist teachings, Chiron is an inner teacher – its house and sign often describe important lessons which we are here to learn. These lessons represent the inner goal of the journey, rather than anything external, and involve the middle path or “right way”.
The right way isn’t about right or wrong, but it is about what is appropriate in order for us to fulfill our individual dharma and karma to be balanced; it is about our realization of the universal laws and our part in the totality of existence.
Before the middle path is found and appreciated, Chiron tends to manifest in a wounded “all or nothing” way. With maturity, wisdom and surrender, a feeling of balance and higher understanding or “rightness” may come, which carries the understanding of connection with our dharma, and that from a higher perspective, Chiron holds a gift for us to contribute to humanity also. And truthfully, our greatest gift to humanity is to be better people, kinder, more balanced, more loving and learning how to love.
Example: Natal Chiron in Gemini
With your natal Chiron in Gemini, you are overcoming fears of self expression, finding your unique voice, and embracing the power of your words. As Gemini naturally holds the 3rd house of hands, there could be healing energy running through your hands, and through the words you speak and write – which essentially makes others feels understood and accepted by you. You may also have a soft touch, and be a physical healer when you hold someone or touch them.
You are probably quite talented and gifted, but in early age especially you may have felt critisized for expressing your unique self. The voice in your mind can be quite cruel, and you can be really harsh on yourself, speaking to yourself in ways that if you actually heard yourself, or recorded yourself to hear yourself, you’d be quite horrifed. You can be very self critical, and over-edit your work constantly for fears that it isn’t good enough or that others will critisize it.
You may sometimes not trust yourself, or be afraid to voice your insights and thoughts. You may doubt yourself, and may even doubt that things can be better in your life; there could be fears in your thoughts that you attach to things working out in your life.
You may have the feeling of not being understood when you want to say something; or you may feel that you are not being heard or that others don’t appreciate what you are saying. You may also doubt your abilities and creative talents and skills, and may often stop yourself from expressing them.
You may feel like others don’t listen to you, or that what you are saying isn’t important when in fact, it’s actually often really important. You are an excellent listener and an amazing counsellor, because your words heal and are valuable, and your physical touch too is often healing to others.
Ways to heal and work with this 🩷 : The first thing is not to stop yourself from expressing your talents and creative gifts, especially related to your writing, whether the spoken or written word. Writing itself is a healing channel, both for you and others who come cross your work. Look for activities to stimulate your natural curiosity and keep yourself intellectually stimulated – follow your joy and what excites you, and explore it further. Singing, or humming, or dancing too may all be healing for you also.
Try not to over-edit everything and try to relax knowing that mistakes are natural. Try not to over-think to the extend of feeling stuck or not doing anything at all. Gemini is about movement, and giving yourself the freedom to be happy and experiment. Gemini is mutable air, which means a freshness of wind, a breeze, a freedom in breathing and movement.
Take walks with music to relax, as Gemini is an energy about movement, such as walking. Write the ideas you have. Move your hands, or even draw. Talk to the people you love, say what you feel you want and don’t care too much what others think or whether they too agree with your perspectives and ideas. Everyone has their own opinions, and naturally, when you put yourself out there people will be reacting out of their own insecurities and inner traumas. If you are a writer, as most Gemini energies are, don’t stop yourself from applying to publishing houses or work opportunities out of fears of rejection; every creator has to face rejection, but you need to stay loyal to your heart and its desires.
Speak gently to yourself, and be mindful of what words you say to yourself. Be compassionate with yourself and don’t wear burdens of needing to be perfect in your art or craft. Learn on your own and don’t be afraid to ask questions; embrace your wonderful curiosity and desires to explore, discover and experiment. This is a life of explorations and experiencing yourself through your various creative expressings. You may be a poem, a dance, a song, a movement, a self adornment of jewellery, sea shells and stories. Your ability to be a creative muse and alchemist inspires others also, and gives them too the courage to be their unique sparkling selves.
Example: Natal Chiron in 2nd House
The 2nd house is a house of healing – it is all movements that sustain our body, which is why it rules food, our clothes and possessions, our voice, and our self values, and how we feel about ourselves overall. You may have felt a bit down on your sense of self worth, and felt like your values weren’t respected. This placement may be sometimes giving you a sense of disempowerment, so it is important here to reflect on what disempowers you and why, and what you may do to reclaim yourself and inner power.
You may have had people hurt your self esteem and self worth, and made you feel small. You may feel a sense of instability, or that you never know too much to feel stable enough, or that you never have enough to feel secure. This is a house of boundaries, and you may have had many people cross your boundaries or take from you what wasn’t theirs to take.
You may sometimes feel guilty about spoiling yourself and buying yourself nice things or indulging in something nice and pleasurable. You may also have a fear of losing yourself in another person, or getting attached to someone or something, because in past lives your freedom too may have been taken away from you or you had people take advantage of you and made you feel like you were limited or imprisoned or controlled.
At the same time, you actually make others feel understood, safe and secure with you. You may have an aura or presence that gives people calmness, harmony and beautifies their life. People may feel really good in your presence, and sweetened by you.
You have a natural way of making others feel good about who they truly are, and are perhaps very accepting of you and empowering them to be their true selves. You show them they are good enough, and that they are beautiful, and you often open their eyes to see all the good and beauty that surrounds them.
Ways to heal and work with this 🩷 : The first thing is to set boundaries – because this is a house of boundaries, and knowing your values and staying true to them. Respect yourself enough not to stay in situations or with people who disrespect you or continuously cross your boundaries and take advantage of your kind nature. Recognize that if you have felt hurt or your self esteem was hurt, you may be more vulnerable to entering in or staying in situations that aren’t healthy for you, so you’d need to walk away.
Look in the mirror and tell yourself you are beautiful. Don’t be harsh with yourself and your body – your body is the most beloved companion of your soul. It doesn’t have to be perfect, we all have thighs and cellulite and tummies, don’t be so self critical. Move your body daily, with gentle exercise or whatever pleases you. Walking clears your mind.
Value yourself and all the beautiful qualities you have in your nature, whether it is kindness, loving heart, generosity, ability to see beauty in flowers and wildlife and people.
Surround yourself with nice things, and buy yourself nice things, luxury things also when you can afford them – do not feel guilty spoiling yourself. Get rid of clutter, and don’t hesitate to let go of what no longer makes you feel good about yourself. Experiment with your aesthetics, and get playful with styles and fashions.
Sleep when you need to, play when you need to, eat when you need to, listen to your body! Massage your body with nice oils and creams, massage your legs and beautify your home. Take long baths, and take pleasure in the senses – experiment yourself through your senses, and do not feel guilty about buying yourself nice things! This is a placement about the realms of the material – the Venusian realms – through which the goddess of love Venus experiences herself in physical ways also, lives a sensual life of feeling more deeply into love through all the beauty of this world.
Have confidence in your skills and talents, develop your skills and don’t hesitate being more selective with whom you let into your life. Stay true to your values – know your values, respect your values, and don’t compromise nor sacrifice what matters to you on a deep soul and heart level. The first, and most, loyalty you is owe to yourself; and to let someone in, they would need to prove their trust and loyalty to you, because you don’t want dirty feet walking into your newly nice home and inner space. Listen to your voice out loud, because this is the house of our voice, perhaps even record yourself, and embrace it as it is. Speak love into you.
Putting it together,
What if you have Chiron in Gemini in the 2nd house?
You may sometimes believe that you are not smart enough or skilled enough to get what you need, want, desire and deserve. You may also sometimes hold yourself back from expressing your ideas, voice, perspectives, creative talents, gifts and skills, but you are perhaps much more intelligent and talented than you realize; and you are essentially here to believe in yourself, own your worth, feel good about yourself, and make a living or a side income from your own self efforts, talents, gifts and skills.
Your self confidence and self esteem will grow as you express them, and as you recognize and appreciate your unique skills and abilities, build something from the ground up, become an entrepreneur, become your own magician and manifestor and alchemist, recognize and appreciate your intelligence and how you make things happen and how you navigate through life through intelligence and perseverance. Your confidence, your unique creative path and your courage to be yourself will inspire others also to walk their own authentic paths as well.
Final notes:
The story of Chiron reminds us that being human means to feel some pain sometimes. That’s just part of being human. It’s not something to erase, because it can’t be. Chiron is part of our human experience. The more sensitive we are, the more open, the more loving, the more deeply we’ll feel hurt also. No one is ever perfect here, and this is a life of learning, a life of contrasts, and an opportunity for a deepening through self awareness; because through our ability to understand contrasts and face opposite perspectives on the same axis of an experience, we also come into inner balance and the middle path. To know what warm is, we may need to know what cold is; to know what freedom is, we may need to know what fear is.
Mastering the limitations of this world, and the complexity of the nuances is what we are here for; and this is why the sacred heart isn’t one that never felt pain, it is one that felt it, with thorns piercing it, while still being able and warm to love. It is easy to love when all is well, it is easy to love statues or temples, but it is harder to love us as humans; we change, we hurt one another, we disappoint one another, and mainly, we hurt ourselves with our own undoings and karmic choices. But love is a consciousness that is all inclusive, forgiving, compassionate and graceful; and it is able to accept the fullness of the human experience while still inspiring us to rise higher. To be able to love still, and to remain in open heart and soft skin, despite knowing how it feels like to be hurt is perhaps the greatest sign of a spiritually evolved person.
Chiron knew very well perhaps that being now in a physical body he’ll be vulnerable to pain, but it was precisely because he became a human while still being aligned to the dharma and higher path of his eternal god-like soul that he remained in the starry skies. Chiron, of both earth and gods, of skin and soul. His story reminds us that no matter where we may feel wounded, in that same body of ours is the eternal, holding us, guiding us, raising us. This eternal part within us, within each of our cells, is our soul, and it is divine. We may sometimes forget it, but it is always here within the home of our heart.
Holding one another, supporting each other, raising each other and lifting one another up as humanity is perhaps the most god-like thing we can do while being human. A marriage of flesh with soul, we have the ability to embody love; not just a love in the sky, an idea high up or too divine only to be dreamed of or worshipped, but a true love – a very embodied love – a love that moves us through our kindness and patience of rhythm, a love through our lips, hands, and our every day gestures along the circling staircases of life. A love like bread; made and remade each morning, each day, made anew, shaped and formed to nourish us forward.
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Cover art by Louis Jean François Lagrenée, Chiron Instructing Achilles, Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons.
